Hospice – a special kind of care
Sometimes talking with a stranger can be the hardest thing in the world to do. But once you’ve done it, you’re not talking with a stranger anymore.
Franciscan’s palliative care outreach program places emphasis on human dignity. Based out of community medical clinics, we connect with patients with recently diagnosed illnesses who haven’t yet reached a point of crisis. Our intent is to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life by relieving suffering, controlling symptoms, and maintaining functional capacity while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, goals, beliefs, and practices.
We are looking for volunteers with warm hearts and good listening skills to telephone patients and families dealing with a serious illness. Volunteers are asked to telephone once a month, and over time, provide a safe harbor for the patient to share life stories, concerns, joys and fears.
Volunteers alert the nurse case manager when use of community resources such as home meal delivery, shuttle services, legal aid, durable medical equipment, prescription assistance or chaplain services need to be addressed.
Qualified volunteers must:
- be at least 18 years old
- give a 12-month commitment of a maximum of 4-6 hours per month
- have the ability to listen with empathy and without judgment
- have respect for all people no matter their creed, culture, gender or lifestyle
- maintain confidentiality
- complete a two-hour training class and attend monthly continuing education meetings when possible
As a volunteer, you can set your own schedule and telephone from your home.
To apply to become a palliative care outreach volunteer, contact Nicole de Recat by e-mail or phone at 253-534-7014.
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